1974 Chevrolet Nova vs. 1988 Jaguar XJS
To start off, 1988 Jaguar XJS is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1974 Chevrolet Nova. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1974 Chevrolet Nova would be higher. At 5,343 cc (12 cylinders), 1988 Jaguar XJS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Jaguar XJS (291 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 1974 Chevrolet Nova. (108 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Jaguar XJS should accelerate faster than 1974 Chevrolet Nova. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Jaguar XJS weights approximately 395 kg more than 1974 Chevrolet Nova. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1988 Jaguar XJS (440 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 168 more torque (in Nm) than 1974 Chevrolet Nova. (272 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1988 Jaguar XJS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1974 Chevrolet Nova.
Compare all specifications:
| 1974 Chevrolet Nova | 1988 Jaguar XJS | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Jaguar |
| Model | Nova | XJS |
| Year Released | 1974 | 1988 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4299 cc | 5343 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 108 HP | 291 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 272 Nm | 440 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1535 kg | 1930 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2830 mm | 2600 mm |
